Germany will demand that Serbia recognizes Kosovo"

BELGRADE -- At the end of its EU accession talks, Serbia will have to recognize Kosovo - otherwise German MPs will not approve its accession to the organization.

This was heard today from a delegation of visiting German MPs, who held an informal conversation with reporters and editors of Belgrade-based media.

Kosovo's ethnic Albanians unilaterally declared independence in early 2008, however Serbia rejected the proclamation as illegal. Five out of EU's 27 member-states also decided not to recognize Kosovo as independent.

But members of the German parliament delegation explained that while a demand for Serbia to recognize its southern province "would not jeopardize the start of EU accession talks" - at their end, "a factual recognition of Kosovo must be on the table, and if that fails to be the case, the German parliament will not support Serbia's EU membership".

The German MPs clarified that these solutions would include Kosovo's membership in the United Nations and international organizations, and that this is something that Serbia "will have to fulfill before concluding EU talks".

They also said that on December 15, Serbia will become a candidate for membership, but that "most likely, a date for the start of accession talks will not be set".

The process of joining the EU, explained the visiting German officials, will then last at least eight years - as was the case with Croatia.

"The talks between Pritina and Belgrade must continue," they said of the current Brussels-sponsored dialogue. "At the end of those talks must come the recognition. That goes without saying."

As for obstacles that might derail the start of EU accession talks, the German MPs mentioned the arrest of Hague fugitive and former political leader of Serbs in Croatia, Goran Hadić - "since Dutch MPs, first and foremost, will not allow for that".

Another desirable move by Serbia, said they, would be to join NATO, since this military alliance and the EU nurture close ties.

"Statements such as 'Never in NATO' should be made carefully. Serbia does not have to become a NATO member, but anyone who wishes to join the EU must cooperate with NATO as well," said the German MPs.